Norwalk DPW Director Hal Alvord Honored For Tree Advocacy

Hal Alvord, Norwalk's director of the Department of Public Works and the tree warden, will be honored by the Norwalk Tree Alliance on May 11 at the Norwalk Regional Tree Festival in Cranbury Park.
Photo Credit: Joan Gaylord, File

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NORWALK, Conn. – Department of Public Works Director Hal Alvord, who also doubles as city’s tree warden, will be honored in May by the Norwalk Tree Alliance for his advocacy on behalf of trees.

Alvord will be presented with an award during the Norwalk Regional Tree Festival on May 11 at Cranbury Park. The annual event is free and open to the public.

The Norwalk Tree Alliance has put on the festival for the past five years, in part with Alvord’s help. In 2012, the event’s attendance swelled to more than 1,800, and includes fun events and educational programs for the whole family.

“In Connecticut, tree wardens have no jurisdiction on private property,” said Alvord in a statement, referring to the inspiration for the festival. “So educating residents directly was the only approach open to encouraging them to manage their private trees. The festival was conceived to entice people to come out and learn hands-on.”

Under Alvord’s direction, Norwalk has received multiple annual certifications as a Tree City USA from the U.S. Arbor Day Foundation, one of fewer than 20 Connecticut municipalities to receive the designation.

More than 40 organizations are scheduled to participate in the May 11 event, offering environmentally-driven exhibits and demonstrations in urban tree care and other information. The festival is slated to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. In addition to admission, food and parking are also free.

In addition to Alvord’s award, the Norwalk Tree Alliance will also plant a 12-foot sugar maple tree, and install a bench, in memory of the late Don Nelson, a local green activist who helped to organize the annual event.